Richmond are on the riseBy Adam Jones and Ben Hocking
Sunday, August 04, 2013 - 8:30 PM
Source: SportsFanA trio* of upsets greeted us in round 19 but none quite as spectacular as Richmond's 41-point victory over Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon. North Melbourne may have sprung a bigger surprise on us (and the Cats) on Friday night but it was a win laced with bitterness. Not to rain on their parade, but North fans may wonder what could have been had the Roos put together four-quarter performances of that calibre at the opposite end of the season.
There is no such dilemma for the yellow and black army, who witnessed the Tigers announce themselves for September with a mighty roar. Richmond logged their best performance of the year over the ladder leaders, who were made to look ordinary by the conditions and by Richmond's sheer desire for the contest.
The win also provided a glimpse of what may be AFL life circa 2014-15 - Hawthorn's aging midfield being dominated by the younger and hungrier, and the Tigers blowing sides off the park on their way to finals. With the news that key puzzle piece Jack Riewoldt has re-signed with the club, the Tigers need only lock in Dustin Martin to ensure their list is secure going forward. The Tigers ambitiously stated their five-year plan for a flag back in 2010. You can't argue with their progress so far.
*Or a duo if you really, really don't rate Melbourne.
http://www.sportsfan.com.au/richmond-are-on-the-rise/tabid/91/newsid/109701/default.aspx
